Adriano Espaillat

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus' super PAC has spent more than $2.5 million to help Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., fend off a primary challenge from democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier, as a recent poll showed the incumbent trailing his challenger.

Espaillat, who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, is facing one of the most competitive races of his congressional career as progressive groups seek to expand their influence in a district long represented by establishment Democrats.

A recent poll commissioned by Justice Democrats, which supports Avila Chevalier, showed her leading 39%-35%, Semafor reported. Espaillat's district covers Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx.

Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., told Axios the caucus' super PAC, which she chairs, is heavily invested in ensuring Espaillat is reelected.

BOLD America, the super PAC, has spent more than $2.5 million, according to its Federal Election Commission filings. American Priorities, a pro-Palestinian super PAC, has spent $500,000, according to Axios.

Ads promoting Espaillat have highlighted inflammatory social media posts by Avila Chevalier, including one in which she used profane language to denounce former Vice President Kamala Harris and another in which she called former President Joe Biden a rapist.

Avila Chevalier has been endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani told reporters he never saw Avila Chevalier's social media posts before he endorsed her campaign.